2026 VACCE Spring Conference

for all chamber staff members

Wednesday - Friday, March 18 - 20, 2026

George Washington Hotel

Winchester, VA

Hosted by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce

We are excited to share the following sessions scheduled for the event:

• Welcome to Chamber World: Orientation & Inspiration
• Behind the Curtain: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
• Boundaries & BINGO! - Anissa Starnes, YGM
• The Psychology Behind Events: Creating an Emotional Connection - Cally D'Angelo, Collective Edge Agency
• Trends & Influences: How External Forces Shape Chambers and Communities - Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE

We will also have breakout sessions on the following topics led by your VACCE peers:

• New Revenue Realities - Successful Chamber Programs
• Beyond Job Fairs - Workforce Development that Works
• Marketing & Communications - Telling Your Chamber's Story
• Chamber Leadership Programs - Building Leaders Your Community Needs 




CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

We’re excited to introduce something brand new for our association…VACCE apparel is here!

We’ve partnered with Primo Designs to launch an online store featuring VACCE-logo apparel — just in time for our VACCE Spring Conference. Whether you’re looking for something polished for conference days or casual VACCE pride for everyday wear, there’s something for everyone. Shop the VACCE Store here:

https://shop.primodesigns.net/151913/shop/home

The online store is open now through March 8.


Orders will close on March 8 so everything can be produced and ready ahead of our Spring Conference. When you place your order, you can:

• Have items shipped directly to your home
• OR
• Choose to pick them up at the Spring Conference in Winchester

This is a new program for VACCE, and we’re thrilled to offer members a fun way to show your VACCE pride and represent our profession in style. Don’t miss your chance — once the store closes on March 8, orders will not be available again until this summer before our Executive Retreat!

Let me know if you have any questions – happy shopping!

We have scheduled a complimentary webinar with a new VACCE Associate Member:

Wednesday, March 4 – 2:00pm

Introduction to RAM Management & Solutions LLC 

Arianna Ramberg, Co-Founder

Hailey Ramberg, Co-Founder

RAM Management & Solutions, a business concierge dedicated to helping organizations grow, scale, and operate with stronger systems and strategic clarity. In this session, they will share:

• How they launched their business from ground zero.
• How intentional Chamber engagement accelerated their own exponential growth.
• How they stepped into leadership within their local Chamber.
• The services they provide to support their Chamber and other organizations they serve.

CLICK HERE to register for this 30-minute meeting. Once you have completed the short registration form, the system will send you the information to connect to the meeting, and you can add it to your calendar. The meeting will be recorded and shared with the membership in case you aren’t able to join us on that day.

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We have scheduled a Legislative Check-In Session for the following:

Monday, March 23 – 11:00am

VACCE Legislative Check-In Meeting 

Bryan Fox, Lumin Strategies

We enjoyed the opportunity for many of us to gather at ChamberRVA in between the Chamber Day event and reception, where we heard from several resources including Senator Tim Kaine’s regional representative Taylor Thornhill, the US Chamber’s Moore Hallmark, Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy’s Rob Bradham, and the SBA’s Ambakisye Bolden. Based on our discussion, we will plan to host additional virtual legislative check-ins, as well as a webinar featuring some best practices for driving revenue through your public policy program. Please continue to reach out as questions on process or issues come up, and we look forward to continuing to support both individual and collective engagement in public policy.

CLICK HERE to register for this meeting. Once you have completed the short registration form, the system will send you the information to connect to the meeting, and you can add it to your calendar. The meeting will be recorded and shared with the membership in case you aren’t able to join us on that day.

For an overview of the legislative update provided during the Chamber Day event at ChamberRVA for our VACCE members, please CLICK HERE.

2026 Virginia Women's Leadership Forum

Presented by Atlantic Union Bank

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Altria Theater

Richmond, VA

Join us March 12 in Richmond, Virginia at the Altria Theater from 9AM - 2PM for the second annual Virginia Women’s Leadership Forum. Take part in candid conversations on leadership, career growth, and the issues shaping today’s workforce. Hear firsthand stories from leaders across business, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and childcare, followed by small-group breakouts and meaningful connections.. CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy

CICE Job Opportunity

Southern Regional Director, based in Texas. Responsible for building relationships with chambers of commerce and EDOs, educating stakeholders on clean energy trends, and elevating business leaders as advocates for its economic benefits. 

ITI Digital

VACCE is pleased to welcome a new Associate Member:

ITI Digital

Aline Gill, Vice President, Digital Strategy

Palmetto, FL

912-250-2689

aline@iti-digital.com

ITI Digital delivers real-time, purpose-driven content through a platform built for organizations that promote communities, industries, and regional growth. More than web development, they help engage audiences and drive measurable impact. Tracy Hale Clark has partnered with this company for their Louisa Job Hub, auto-curated listing of jobs specific to her area. 

https://www.louisachamber.org/louisajobs/ 

Find out more below:

https://iti-digital.com/



We will schedule a Zoom meeting soon for Aline to share her company services with our members.  

Lumin Strategies

It has been great to see many of you in Richmond and throughout the Commonwealth, and we look forward to catching up in Winchester. Remember that as the legislative session speeds along, we will host a virtual check-in on Monday, March 23rd, at 11:00 a.m. but continue to reach out as questions on process or issues come up.

Also reach out to Bryan if you are interested in joining tee times before our conference begins on Wednesday, March 18th at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club!

RAM Management & Solutions LLC

RAM Management Strengthens Chambers Through Ambassador Programs

A strong Ambassador Program can transform a Chamber’s member experience but only when it’s built with structure, clarity, and purpose. RAM Management & Solutions partners with Chambers across Virginia to design and implement customized programs that deepen engagement, support staff, and create meaningful volunteer leadership pathways. CLICK HERE to learn more.

WiseChoice / Anthem

Meet the Anthem ISG Sales Team

We’re pleased to welcome the updated Anthem Individual & Small Group (ISG) Sales Team. This group is here to support your day-to-day needs and help you stay connected to the right Anthem resources. For full titles and contact details, please click here.

Team Leadership:

• Kesha Oates (ISG leadership)
• Kim Canterbury (ISG sales management)

Strategic Sales Support:

• Kim Dent
• Kellie Jo David
• Theresa Gooden
• Tracey Langston
• Lori Roberts

We value your partnership and look forward to working with you. If you are unsure whom to contact, please email VAWiseChoiceMEWA@anthem.com, and our team will connect you with the appropriate sales representative.

Blackstone Chamber

The Chamber's 2026 Annual Dinner & Silent Auction will take place March 21 at the Cross Thomas Event Center. Entertainment will be provided by Michael Wayne Dill.

ChamberRVA

ChamberRVA, HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Engage) and regional partners are bringing dynamic opportunities to connect, learn, and lead this March. In celebration of Women in Construction Week, HYPE will host an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Atlantic Constructors, Inc., offering young professionals a firsthand look at this employee-owned contractor’s mechanical, electrical, and fabrication operations across multiple industries.

Chambers On The Court will unite members from ChamberRVA, Hanover Chamber of Commerce, and Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce for a high-energy, court-side networking experience hosted in partnership with the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, strengthening regional collaboration and connections.

Later in the month, HYPE will welcome Mayor Danny Avula for an engaging Fireside Chat at Diversity Richmond. Moderated by HYPE Chair Dylan Buchanan, the conversation will explore leadership, purpose, and civic engagement, inspiring young professionals to play an active role in shaping the future of the Richmond region.

Danville Pittsylvania Chamber

The Chamber is celebrating a milestone year in 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the merger between the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. The historic merger ushered in a new era of regional cooperation, strengthening the business community and laying the foundation for sustained economic growth across the region. The spirit of regionalism continues to grow as the Chamber engages with neighboring Chambers to take regional action that supports and grows businesses in Southside Virginia. Click here to read more.

The Chamber invites business and community leaders to its Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026, for a forward-focused conversation about the next chapter of economic growth in Southern Virginia.This year’s program will introduce the Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor (BRIC) - Virginia’s newest megaregion and a bold initiative designed to accelerate long-term economic growth across Danville, Martinsville, Roanoke, and the New River Valley, including every county and locality in between.

Floyd County Chamber

VACCE is pleased to welcome Kathy Fett, Executive Director, and the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce as our newest member!

Hampton Roads Chamber

The Chamber continues to advocate on behalf of our members, the broader business community and the region during the General Assembly session in Richmond. We share weekly updates on this work through our legislative email which you can subscribe to via our website to stay informed.

We are also delivering a wide range of professional development opportunities from content creation video workshops and sales strategy sessions to monthly networking events designed to foster meaningful connections. Our most impactful series of the year, State of the Cities, launches March 5 and runs through May, convening more than 5,000 business leaders to strengthen regional collaboration.

Additionally, we have announced the 2026 Leadership Exchange (LEX) to Jacksonville, Florida, a region with many similarities to our own where we will examine workforce initiatives, economic development projects, sports tourism, and emerging business opportunities.

Highland County Chamber

The 66^th Highland County Maple Festival will be held March 14 – 15 and 21 – 22, 2026. Enjoy free sugar camp tours, unique artisans, all-you-can-eat pancake meals, famous maple doughnuts, entertainment and more! www.highlandcounty.org/maple-festival

Celebrate America’s 250^th in Highland County, Virginia. Visit www.highlandcounty.org/va250 for events, attractions, and more in 2026!

Luray-Page County Chamber

The Chamber is hosting a Job Fair & Workshop on Thursday, March 12 at Laurel Ridge Community College.

The Chamber is traveling to Ireland in 2026! In partnership with C I Destinations, the Chamber is offering "The Best of Ireland" departing October 14, 2026. Click here for more details.

The Chamber's 100th Annual Banquet & Awards will be held Thursday, May 28 at The Mimslyn Inn.

Montgomery County Chamber

The Chamber will be hosting the 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference on March 5^th at the Inn at Virginia Tech. This year’s theme is Winning Mindsets: Writing your Own Playbook, emphasizing the paths that you are able to forge for yourself, your business, or your professional career. Keynote speaker will be Lauren Sisler, an ESPN sports broadcaster and author of “Shatterproof”. 

Virginia Peninsula Chamber

The Chamber recognized Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources and former Board of Directors Chair, as its 2025 First Citizen. The First Citizen Award is presented annually to an individual who is widely recognized as an influential leader and role model within the Peninsula business community. The recipient exemplifies strong character and integrity and has dedicated their time, talents, and resources to the betterment of the region.

ACCE

The #ACCE26 Annual Convention has been set for July 20-22, 2026 in New Orleans, LA. Please click here for more information.

IOM - 2026 Summer Sites Now Open for Registration

We are looking forward to another amazing year at Madison, Athens, & Villanova. Click here to go to the general Institute registration page.

VA250 Partnership Program

As you may know, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the nation’s semiquincentennial. Virginia's American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) is calling on all Virginia businesses to join our movement to educate, engage and inspire Americans to recommit to the values inherent in citizenship, all while helping their brand capitalize on the energy of this once-in-a-lifetime moment. By signing up to be a Commemorative Partner, Virginia companies join the effort to celebrate our democracy by remembering our shared past. This program is free of charge, and we provide all the necessary tools for Commemorative Partners to engage employees and customers in unique and inspiring VA250 experiences.